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  • Release Date:
Circus Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 638 Ratings

  • Summary: Britney tries for another comeback with her sixth album, which features 'Womanizer,' her first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single since '...Baby One More Time.'

Top Track

Womanizer
Superstar Where you from? How's it going? I know you, got a clue what you're doing You can play brand new to all the other chicks out here But I know... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 22
  2. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Circus is a top-rate pop album that, with a little bit of justice, will be afforded the same sort of longevity as her brilliant early singles.
  2. Halfway through, Circus shifts from defiant booty calls to subtler material; suddenly, it's a first-rate electro-pop album.
  3. The clubby, adventurous pop on her sixth album--her first since getting committed and losing custody of her kids--would have made a fine follow-up to 2003's In the Zone.
  4. 60
    Trying to express her actual feelings, instead of inhabiting a fantasy, she leaves us looking for an authenticity and vulnerability that isn’t in her skill set.
  5. If she feels marginally more connected here than she did on "Blackout," it's a Pyrrhic victory, as Circus never feels as sleek or addictive as its predecessor.
  6. "Blackout" seemed like it signaled a more club-orientated path for Spears, like Madonna or Kylie Minogue, but Circus is a hodgepodge of pop themes that never really finds a face.
  7. Circus is a saddening step back to her glossy yet unengaging "In the Zone" era, which is a shame.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 11 out of 148
  1. JamesB.
    Jan 5, 2009
    10
    I love it. Amazing!
  2. anonymousN.
    Mar 21, 2009
    10
    Britney's personal life may be a circus of its own, but with this Circus, she proves once again that she can shove aside the paparazzi Britney's personal life may be a circus of its own, but with this Circus, she proves once again that she can shove aside the paparazzi and the rumors for long enough to make a successful, poppy, and infectious dance album. Best tracks are Circus, If U Seek Amy, Womanizer, Shattered Glass, and Kill The Lights. Expand
  3. Jul 26, 2017
    10
    Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon IconIcon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Expand
  4. HuanC.
    Dec 26, 2008
    9
    This is definitely not perfect as no album ever will be perfect but as pop music comes along this is the best offer our not-so-great-vocally This is definitely not perfect as no album ever will be perfect but as pop music comes along this is the best offer our not-so-great-vocally Britney Spears can dish out on the table for us to enjoy. Just like a buffet, with sweets, meals and light appetizers to entertain us consistenly is what 'Circus' offered and it definitely done justice to her comeback carreer!!! As her one of the biggest fan in Malaysia I say Britney...you'll be the best pop iconic music till forever. Expand
  5. Mar 27, 2020
    9
    Another pretty good Britney album with many dark dance jams! However "My Baby" breaks whole feel of an album for me. Anyway this is my secondAnother pretty good Britney album with many dark dance jams! However "My Baby" breaks whole feel of an album for me. Anyway this is my second favorite album of Britney, only behind Blackout. Expand
  6. SantixRdeCh
    Jun 11, 2010
    8
    I loved some of the songs. It's nice.
  7. None
    Dec 6, 2008
    0
    Utter Crap.

See all 148 User Reviews